As the boundaries between chemistry, physics, and biology evaporate, so the fascinating multidisciplinary field of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (N&N) has been born. N&N involves the creation, study, and application of accurately-constructed, complex molecules with hundreds to thousands of atoms and overall nanoscale dimensions (ca. 10-9 m). It is the defining science of the 21st century, and strategic applications of new advances in this area offer the exciting promise of major socio-economic as well as humanitarian benefits.

Chemists are now developing a vast range of novel synthetic strategies to create large molecules with not only intricate structures but also valuable functions. Nanoscale devices may soon replace silicon and metal in chips to make pocket supercomputers possible and the tensile strengths of these new materials promise exciting possibilities in engineering. This field is providing challenging problems with exciting objectives which will affect all our lives in the future.

Dr. Kroto is the Francis Eppes Professor of Chemistry at the Florida State University, which he joined in 2004.

The event is open to the Barry community and the public. Please RSVP by e-mail: thamilton@mail.barry.edu, as seating will be limited.